Seven Ways to Shape Up Your Writing

There's really no way around it - writing is an indispensable skill. Don't think so? Your composition might need some brushing up. Yeah yeah, the digital age, we know. Instagram blah blah. Our patience with text may be waning, but that doesn't change the fact that much communication still takes place with the written word. And all of us can do it better.
It doesn't matter if you're writing emails, text messages, angsty poetry, or slandering a bathroom stall, some rules of the word stay true. Here are some of the essentials:

2. Write what you know to be true. Or, just sound like an asshole - which isn't always bad, but if you're going to be a jerk, at least be a convincing one.

3. Definitely absolutely use adverbs sparingly. Wasn't that painful? This one can be tough, because there are some solid adverbs out there (indubitably). But they move slower than a molasses-soaked sloth wading through quicksand in heavy boots. Bad.

4. Find the right word. It's out there. And by out there I mean here but please, don't try to impress us with fancy language. Remember, the goal is to communicate.

5. Which brings us to clarity. The content doesn't have to be simple, but be conscious of everything going on in your writing. How does the line look on the page? Is it easy to scan? Consider the sound of your words. How do they read out loud? We don't always pick up on rhythm, but it does plays a role in readability.

6. Use the active voice. So, "My dog loves eggs," not "Eggs are loved by my dog." It's not always that obvious, but you get the idea.

7. And last, but not least. Hemming and hawing is even worse on the page. Use decisive language.